Descrição
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PRINCIPAL FACTS:
In January 1988 the Society of Motor Manufacturers announced that in 1987 some 2 million cars were sold in Britain, with the Ford Escort being the biggest selling car. The Mercedes-Benz SL wouldn’t contribute hugely to those numbers, but this Midnight Blue 420 SL must have looked magnificent among that ever-increasing UK stock of vehicles. Stock that this car’s first owner must have had a hand in shifting, as the service booklet that comes (fully stamped) with it highlights its first owner as British Car Auctions, with this 420 SL surely being parked outside those offices in the space reserved for the Managing Director.
Since that delivery it’s covered just 41, 935 miles, but that fully stamped service booklet as well as its obvious superb overall condition underlines that this car has always been well looked after. Its current owner has owned and enjoyed it for over 10 years and has continued to spend money on it to ensure it remains as good now as it was back in ’88, having enjoyed it on many driving trips, both here and abroad.
CONDITION SYNOPSIS:
We’ve looked after this car at the SLSHOP for a while, and prior to its sale it’s been thoroughly inspected, with any issues – a handful of easy, expected fixes – having all been undertaken prior to it reaching these classified pages. Mechanically it’s in great condition then, with it driving just as it should. It’s pleasing to see touches like a sticker in the door slam reminding of regular oil changes, and under the bonnet a note that the timing’s been altered for unleaded fuel, these always hints to careful ownership.
Cosmetically it’s similarly impressive, with this 420 SL showing just minor wear and tear for the thirty-six years it’s been on the road, the interior being in fine condition. The Blaupunkt cassette player looks period correct, with only the presence of some screw holes on the passenger side of the centre console – where a phone-holder has more than likely once been positioned – detracting inside. The paint, unsurprisingly, shows some marks, but a deep detailing job would greatly improve it, rather than involving a body shop unnecessarily. The tyres, as is often the case on these cars, are past their best, that in relation to age rather than tread depth, so we’d suggest the next owner has a new set fitted immediately to enjoy it at its best.
HISTORY FILE:
That fully stamped service book demonstrates that it’s been looked after as much as the condition it presents itself in. There’s plenty of receipts for additional work to ensure everything’s as it should be, similarly there are ample MOTs that, in conjunction with the service history, verify its relatively low mileage. We’re always pleased to see evidence of Mercedes-Benz Club involvement, and there’s some here, while we’re also very pleased to see evidence of owners having used and enjoyed their cars – with this 420 SL’s current owner having some pictures and details among the paperwork of trips through Europe, up to beautiful Scotland and all over the rest of the UK, attending classic car rallies and events. It's up to the next owner to do much the same…
SLSHOP SUMMARY:
A car that’s clearly been cared for, but enjoyed, this 420 SL looks fantastic in its Midnight Blue paint with its contrasting beige leather interior. Mechanically it’s spot on, with the present and previous owners having never scrimped, while cosmetically it’s in pretty good condition. There’s some room for improvement should its next owner wish to have it detailed and removing the holes in the interior trim panel left from a previous phone fitment would lift the interior. A car that can be driven from the showroom much as it would have been in ’88 and enjoyed as it would have been then, too.
